Breadcrumb

mysticism

Introduction

mysticism
mĭs´tĭsĭzəm [key] [Gr.,=the practice of those who are initiated into the mysteries], the practice of putting oneself into, and remaining in, direct relation with
God
, the Absolute, or any unifying principle of life. Mysticism is inseparably linked with religion. Because of the nature of mysticism, firsthand objective studies of it are virtually impossible, and students must confine themselves to the accounts of mystics, autobiographical and biographical, or, as the mystics themselves say, they must experience for themselves. The terms
mystic
and
mysticism
are used very broadly in English, being extended to mean magic, occultism, or the esoteric.